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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to think being called 'a sprightly xxage' is patronising and ageist.

11 replies

Minimammoth · 24/09/2012 15:38

Using the word 'sprightly' has an undertone meaning at your age you should be wrinkly, crocked, walking with a zimmer. We don't refer to thirty year olds as sprightly. May be being over sensitive, but feel mildly offended. Sniff.

OP posts:
CogitoErgoSometimes · 24/09/2012 15:40

YABU... get used to it along with doctors saying 'it's your age' and shop assistants suddenly calling you 'dear' for no apparent reason. :)

WorraLiberty · 24/09/2012 15:41

Oh dear God something else we should take offence to now? Confused

YABU, if someone is described as sprightly it means they have a lot of energy/spirit.

If you think it has an undertone meaning "at your age you should be wrinkly, crocked, walking with a zimmer", I think you have a strange way of thinking.

MrSunshine · 24/09/2012 15:50

It's a compliment.

Are you one of those people who can have an argument in an empty room?

Themumsnot · 24/09/2012 15:55

I agree with you OP. It always comes across as patronising to me. Like those threads on here where people defend some appalling behaviour on the grounds that the offenders is 'too old to change how she was brought up' and it turns out they are actually 45 or something.

Minimammoth · 24/09/2012 15:56

Yes to all of the above. I am shriven oh wise ones. Smile I might also add it was said to me over the phone and in no way an observation of my way of being. < I am crocked and wrinkly but it should not be mentionedGrin>

OP posts:
Minimammoth · 24/09/2012 15:59

Cogito, yes they also pass you that special offer token for the over 50s in Boots without batting an eyelid.

OP posts:
CogitoErgoSometimes · 24/09/2012 16:09

Or the flashing sign on the checkout as you buy your bottle of stout says 'is the customer over 18' and they don't give you more than a cursory glance. However, the day I shall know I am old is when I land on my arse and my family start telling people I've not fallen over but 'had a fall'..... Confused

twoGoldfingerstoGideon · 24/09/2012 16:11

YANBU - it is patronising.

MadgeHarvey · 24/09/2012 16:12

I'm opening a book - taking bets now. What odds for a time in the not too distant future where all adjectives become illegal and anyone using one will be referred instantly to the Descriptions Police.
And when this does happen what on earth are all you permanently offended people going to do then? Huh?

ExitPursuedByABear · 24/09/2012 16:12

Oh Cogito I feel that day is not to far off for me. I am always bloody falling over but it has never occurred to me that the family might start saying that.

Aaaaarrgh.

Minimammoth · 24/09/2012 21:50

Consider this,
Salesman: age? 63, occupation?
Mini: lap dancer
Salesman: a sprightly 63

Salesman: age? 23, occupation?
Mini: gun runner
Salesman: a sprightly 23

Salesman: age? 59, occupation?
Mini: prime minister
Salesman : a sprightly 59
It's just never right.
Can anyone think of an appropriate witty response?
And your age sir? Ah a lumpen 39 maybe.
Ok I am going on.

OP posts:
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